Reinstated Gordon's Browns future uncertain

Josh Gordon will be reinstated to the NFL after missing all of last season, the league announced on Monday.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver was denied reinstatement earlier this year after he reportedly failed another drug test with a diluted sample, having initially been suspended in February 2015 for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

He was allowed to reapply for reinstatement on August 1 and had a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this month to discuss his potential return.

Goodell wrote the following to Gordon on Monday: "As we discussed at our meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed.

"Countless others including your agent, team-mates and coaches ... also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal.

"But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so."

Gordon can participate in a training camp for the Browns and will be allowed to play in pre-season games, but will face a four-game suspension at the start of the season. During that time he will be allowed in team meetings, but cannot participate in practices.

The question now is if the Browns want to keep Gordon. A valuable talent at the receiver position, his constant off-field issues have become a source of headaches for an organization that cut ties with another troubled athlete in Johnny Manziel.

Gordon reportedly gets along well with team owner Jimmy Haslam, but coach Hue Jackson will be the one who decides on the wideout's fate.

Any reinstatement would be on a conditional basis.

The good news for Gordon is if he remains with the Browns and makes his debut in Week 5, his return could well be upstaged.

That October 9 game will come against the New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady, who could also make his first appearance of the 2016 season that day after serving his own suspension.

Let us send you our Newsletter

Our editors will email you a roundup of their favourite stories from across AOL